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Mariner Training Resources

Merchant Mariner Education Module

The merchant mariner education training module can be used by instructors at maritime academies, and in certification and licensing courses to educate ship's officers and crew about the potential for vessel strikes of North Atlantic right whales and the regulatory measures in place to protect these whales. The training package includes a PowerPoint education module, goals and objectives of the training, test questions, informational placards, fact sheets, and relevant video clips. This training package is intended to provide Federal, state, and international maritime academic and training institutions and fleet managers with information on the vessel strike problem, voyage planning and watchkeeping procedures to implement in right whale areas, and a detailed description of the operational measures presently in place to help prevent vessel strikes of North Atlantic right whales.

The module's lessons were developed to be incorporated in the following courses: Voyage Planning, Bridge Management, Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation, Social Responsibility,, Basic Safety and Environmental Training, and Certification, Re-certification, and License Testing for mariners operating in coastal waters of the United States and Canada. The module may also be used in sea semester training and fleet training scenarios. Education of all mariners is a critical part of NOAA Fisheries' goal to minimize vessel strikes of right whales.

NOAA Fisheries is pleased to announce a computer-based, interactive guide and training resource for shipboard operations as they relate to avoiding ship-strike interactions with North Atlantic right whales.

Produced by NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Coast Guard, with input from the shipping industry, non-governmental organizations, and Florida and Georgia state resource management agencies, this interactive CD program provides key educational and support information intended for shipboard operations in areas where North Atlantic right whales may be present. Focused on operations along the Atlantic Coast of North America, the program delivers crew training information about right whales, including an introduction to right whales, recommended navigational actions when operating in right whale habitat, a guide to reporting sightings of dead or injured right whales, an informative video presentation, and a short follow-up quiz. Additionally, the program includes guidelines for compliance with the Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems, including an innovative, interactive report generation program.

(click image to download CD-ROM)

This CD should be used as part of a shipboard right whale protection management program, which includes training, planning, sighting collection and vessel operations.

To request a copy for review or several copies for distribution to your vessel fleet, please email Peter.Kelliher@noaa.gov.